Definition and Pronunciation
Vulvovaginal glands (pronounced /ˌvʌlvəʊˈvædʒɪnəl ɡlændz/) is another name for the Bartholin’s glands, two small glands located on either side of the vaginal opening within the vulvar vestibule. They secrete mucus that provides natural lubrication during sexual arousal.
Easy Explanation
Vulvovaginal glands are tiny glands near the vaginal entrance. They make slippery fluid that helps sex feel more comfortable.
Grammatical Formation
- Part of speech: Noun (plural)
- Singular: Vulvovaginal gland
- From vulvo- (relating to the vulva) + vaginal (relating to the vagina) + gland (organ that secretes fluid).
- Alternative term: greater vestibular glands.
Word Comparisons
- Vulvovaginal glands vs. Bartholin’s glands: They are the same; “Bartholin’s” is the eponym, while “vulvovaginal” is descriptive.
- Vulvovaginal glands vs. Skene’s glands: Vulvovaginal glands are near the vaginal entrance; Skene’s glands are near the urethra.
- Vulvovaginal glands vs. Vaginal lubrication: Lubrication comes partly from these glands, but also from vaginal tissues.
Connotations
Neutral and anatomical. In sexuality, they are important because of their direct role in comfort and lubrication during intimacy.
Prepositional Usage
- Cysts in the vulvovaginal glands: medical condition.
- Secretions of the vulvovaginal glands: functional description.
- Blockage of the vulvovaginal glands: clinical phrase.
Real-Life Examples
- A blocked vulvovaginal gland can form a painful cyst.
- The vulvovaginal glands increase moisture during sexual arousal.
- Inflammation of these glands may cause discomfort during sex.
Synonyms
Bartholin’s glands, greater vestibular glands
Antonyms
Skene’s glands (different location/function), non-secretory tissues
Related Terms
Bartholin’s glands, Skene’s glands, vestibule, lubrication, vagina, vulva
Common Collocations
vulvovaginal glands anatomy, vulvovaginal glands cyst, vulvovaginal glands secretion, vulvovaginal glands blockage, vulvovaginal glands lubrication
Idiomatic/Figurative Usage
None; used strictly in medical and sexual health contexts.
Sample Sentences
- The vulvovaginal glands produce mucus to lubricate the vaginal opening.
- Doctors treated a cyst that developed in her vulvovaginal gland.
- Healthy vulvovaginal glands are essential for comfortable sexual activity.
Connection to Sexuality
Yes, vulvovaginal glands are directly connected to sexuality. They play a key role in natural lubrication, making intercourse and other sexual activity more comfortable and pleasurable. Disorders like cysts or infections in these glands can cause pain, dryness, or difficulty with sex. In sexual health, they highlight how small glands have a large effect on intimate comfort and erotic experience.
Sexopedia.co is an educational glossary of sexual and gender-related terms—helping you improve your English while deepening your understanding of identity, language, and self-expression.